Seborrheic keratosis
Seborrheic Keratosis
Seborrheic keratoses are dark skin growths that appear in adulthood. Although they may be large and grow quickly, they are benign.
View large image
View large image
They are not caused by sun damage so they may be typically found on areas both covered and uncovered by clothing.
Seborrheic keratoses tend to run in families. Initially, they appear as slightly raised, light brown spots and evolve into darker, thicker lesions with rough, warty surfaces.
Seborrheic keratoses are generally harmless, and there aren’t many treatments beyond removing them. Some people choose to have them removed if the growths become unsightly, itch, or become irritated from rubbing against clothing. Removal methods include cryotherapy, shave biopsy, laser surgery, and curettage and cautery.
Because of their appearance, seborrheic keratoses can be confused with other skin growths, such as warts, moles, and the more worrisomeactinic keratoses (AKs) and melanoma. See your doctor if you have concerns about such growths on your skin.
___________________________________________________________________
Images courtesy of Gerald Goldberg, M.D.
© 2010 Vivacare.
Last updated August 25, 2010.
This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.
Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.
Seborrheic keratoses are dark skin growths that appear in adulthood. Although they may be large and grow quickly, they are benign.
 View large image |  View large image |
They are not caused by sun damage so they may be typically found on areas both covered and uncovered by clothing.
Seborrheic keratoses tend to run in families. Initially, they appear as slightly raised, light brown spots and evolve into darker, thicker lesions with rough, warty surfaces.
Seborrheic keratoses are generally harmless, and there aren’t many treatments beyond removing them. Some people choose to have them removed if the growths become unsightly, itch, or become irritated from rubbing against clothing. Removal methods include cryotherapy, shave biopsy, laser surgery, and curettage and cautery.
Because of their appearance, seborrheic keratoses can be confused with other skin growths, such as warts, moles, and the more worrisomeactinic keratoses (AKs) and melanoma. See your doctor if you have concerns about such growths on your skin.
___________________________________________________________________
Images courtesy of Gerald Goldberg, M.D.
© 2010 Vivacare.
Last updated August 25, 2010.
